Building Critical Statewide Cybersecurity Capabilities: The Wisconsin Model

Building Critical Statewide Cybersecurity Capabilities: The Wisconsin Model

연구 분야: Safety

학회: dg.o '24: Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research

The paper investigates the escalating cybersecurity challenges public-sector organizations face, focusing on the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team (CRT) as a pioneering solution in the U.S. Public entities, vulnerable to resource limitations, confront cyber threats exacerbated by a lack of IT personnel. The Wisconsin CRT, a volunteer-based organization affiliated with Wisconsin Emergency Management, emerges as a unique model, addressing cybersecurity gaps through strategic partnerships with academia and other entities. The essay outlines the CRT's resource-centric approach, encompassing human personnel, infrastructure, and structured collaborations. It sheds light on the state's cybersecurity focus and legislative constraints, emphasizing the CRT's role in bridging these gaps. Detailing the Wisconsin CRT's resources and capabilities, the paper highlights its robust cybersecurity workforce, infrastructure investments, and partnerships. The team's whole community approach, engaging academia through pillars like understanding community complexity and fostering relationships, underscores its comprehensive strategy. The collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater exemplifies successful public-academic partnerships, contributing to cybersecurity education, research, and incident response. We conclude by advocating for policymakers to recognize the value of such collaborations, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to mitigate evolving cyber threats via effective public policies. The Wisconsin CRT stands as a national exemplar, showcasing the effectiveness of innovative partnerships in addressing local cyber challenges.